Here you can browse the House of Commons Order of Business for Wednesday 8 April 1998.

Notes:
* Indicates a question for oral answer.
[R] indicates that the Member has declared a relevant interest.
Questions for oral answer not reached receive a written answer.
Supplementary questions will also be asked. Other Ministers may also answer.

+ Indicates Government business.
Timings are indicative only.
++ These are ordinary written questions of which no previous notice has been given. For other questions for written answer today see the 'Order Book'.

At 9.30 a.m.

Prayers

At 9.35 a.m.

Adjournment Debates

1

ADJOURNMENT[Until 2.00 p.m.]

The Prime Minister

That this House do now adjourn.

Subjects proposed to be raised on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House:

9.35 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.

Matters to be considered before the forthcoming adjournment (Standing Order No. 10(3)).

12.30 p.m. - 1.00 p.m.

Mr Julian Brazier

The future of the combat arms of the Territorial Army.

1.00 p.m. - 1.30 p.m.

Mr Llew Smith

Health deprivation in Blaenau Gwent and the reconfiguration of NHS trusts.

1.30 p.m. - 2.00 p.m.

Mr Tim Yeo

The Legal Aid Board: the case of Mrs Stephanie Atkinson.

The Motion for the Adjournment of the House will lapse at 2.00 p.m. and the sitting will be suspended until 2.30 p.m. (Standing Order No. 10).

At 2.30 p.m.

Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

*1

Dr Norman A. Godman (Greenock and Inverclyde): What responses she has received to the Government's White Paper, Partnership for Equality.

(36889)

*2

Mr David Chaytor (Bury North): What progress is being made in lifting the ban on beef exports from Northern Ireland.

(36890)

*3

Mr John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington): If she will make a statement on progress in the all-party talks.

(36891)

*4

Mr Tony McNulty (Harrow East): What responses she has received to the Government's White Paper, Partnership for Equality.

(36892)

*5

Mr David Winnick (Walsall North): If she will make a statement on the current peace talks.

(36893)

*6

Shona McIsaac (Cleethorpes): What steps are being taken in Northern Ireland to combat electoral fraud.

(36894)

*7

Mr Andrew Hunter (Basingstoke): If she will make a statement on the all-party talks.

(36895)

*8

Mr Richard Spring (West Suffolk): What her current assessment is of the security situation.

(36896)

*9

Mr Harry Barnes (North East Derbyshire): If she will make a statement on progress in the multi-party talks.

(36897)

*10

Mrs Ann Winterton (Congleton): What steps have been taken to protect the lives of prisoners in the Maze Prison.

(36898)

*11

Mr Michael Fabricant (Lichfield): If he will make a statement on the current prospects for the tourist industry in the Province.

(36900)

*12

Dr Brian Iddon (Bolton South East): What responses she has received to the Government's White Paper, Partnership for Equality.

(36901)

*13

Mr Jim Murphy (Eastwood): What assessment she has made of the impact the Budget proposals on small firms will have on the Northern Ireland economy.

(36902)

*14

Mr Charles Kennedy (Ross, Skye and Inverness West): If she will make a statement on the resumption of beef exports from the Province.

(36903)

*15

Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury): In what ways the proposed democratically-elected institutions will differ from the district councils in Northern Ireland; which powers the Government intends to transfer to these bodies; and if she will make a statement.

(36904)

*16

Mr Malcolm Wicks (Croydon North): What proportion and number of children aged under 16 years live in families receiving income support.

(36905)

*17

Mrs Teresa Gorman (Billericay): What plans she has to admit representatives of the Conservative party to the peace talks.

(36906)

*18

Mr Michael Connarty (Falkirk East): What estimate she has made of the impact of the Budget proposals on child care in Northern Ireland.

(36907)

*19

Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North): If she will make a statement on progress in the multi-party talks in Northern Ireland.

(36908)

*20

Mr John Wilkinson (Ruislip-Northwood): What discussions have been held during the current peace talks on the policy of the Irish government towards the repeal of those articles in its constitution which relate to a territorial claim over Northern Ireland.

(36909)

*21

Sir Teddy Taylor (Rochford and Southend East): What is the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the position of grammar schools in Northern Ireland.

(36910)

*22

Dr Tony Wright (Cannock Chase): What preparations she is making for a referendum on the outcome of the peace process.

(36911)

*23

Mr David Hanson (Delyn): If she will make a statement on progress in the multi-party talks.

(36912)

*24

Mr Gareth R. Thomas (Harrow West): What assessment she has made of the Northern Ireland Economic Council's report on the minimum wage; and if she will make a statement.

(36913)

*25

Mr Bill O'Brien (Normanton): If she will make a statement on the prospects of agreement in the multi-party talks.

(36914)

*26

Mr Peter Bottomley (Worthing West): If she will list for each year since 1988 (a) the number of road deaths, (b) the number of serious injuries on the roads and (c) the increase in traffic volumes.

(36915)

*27

Mr Phil Hope (Corby): What assessment she has made of the Northern Ireland Economic Council report on the minimum wage; and if she will make a statement.

(36916)

*28

Maria Fyfe (Glasgow, Maryhill): What responses she has received to the Government's White Paper, Partnership for Equality.

(36917)

*29

Mr Malcolm Savidge (Aberdeen North): What progress has been made on the establishment of an electricity interconnector with Scotland.

(36918)

At 3.00 p.m.

Oral Questions to the Prime Minister

*Q1

Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 8th April.

(36919)

*Q2

Mr John Hayes (South Holland and The Deepings): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 8th April.

(36921)

*Q3

Mr Oliver Letwin (West Dorset): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 8th April.

(36922)

*Q4

Mr Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow): What were the sources of information received by Her Majesty's Government on 5th March on the threats by Iraq to smuggle anthrax into the United Kingdom.

(36923)

*Q5

Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 8th April.

(36924)

*Q6

Mr Michael Fabricant (Lichfield): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 8th April.

(36925)

*Q7

Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East): If he will make a statement on the Government's policy towards nuclear deterrence.

(36926)

*Q8

Mr Simon Hughes (North Southwark and Bermondsey): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 8th April.

(36927)

*Q9

Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 8th April.

(36928)

*Q10

Mr Bill Rammell (Harlow): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 8th April.

(36929)

*Q11

Mr Oliver Heald (North East Hertfordshire): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 8th April.

(36930)

*Q12

Mr Bill Michie (Sheffield, Heeley): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 8th April.

(36931)

*Q13

Mr Gary Streeter (South West Devon): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 8th April.

(36932)

*Q14

Mr David Rendel (Newbury): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 8th April.

(36933)

*Q15

Norman Baker (Lewes): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 8th April.

(36934)

*Q16

Mr Adrian Sanders (Torbay): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 8th April.

(36935)

*Q17

Mr Tim Yeo (South Suffolk): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 8th April.

(36936)

*Q18

Mr Peter Bottomley (Worthing West): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 8th April.

(36937)

*Q19

Mr Andrew Welsh (Angus): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 8th April.

(36938)

At 3.30 p.m.

Private Notice Questions (if any)
Ministerial Statements (if any)

Preliminary Business

Ten minute rule Motion

1

BRITISH MUSEUM (LINDISFARNE GOSPELS) [Up to 20 minutes]

Mr Fraser Kemp

That leave be given to bring in a Bill to provide for the transfer of the Lindisfarne Gospels from the British Museum to a location in the North East Region of England.

The Member moving and a Member opposing this Motion may each speak for up to ten minutes (Standing Order No. 23).

To consider European Community Document No. 13289/97 relating to convergence of the Telecommunications, Media and Information Technology sectors.

2

Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation

4.30 p.m.

Room 9 (public)

To consider the draft Hovercraft (Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims) (Amendment) Order 1998, the draft Merchant Shipping (Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims) (Amendment) Order 1998 and the draft Hovercraft (Application of Enactments) (Amendments) Order 1998.

Witness: Rt Hon Andrew Smith, MP, Minister for Employment, Welfare to Work and Equal Opportunities, Department for Education and Employment.

8

Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs: Transport Sub-Committee

3.45 p.m.
4.00 p.m.

Room 15 (private)
(public)

Subject: Regional Air Services.

Witnesses: BAA; Airport Co-ordination (at 5.15 p.m.).

9

Northern Ireland Affairs

3.45 p.m.

Room 7 (private)

10

Treasury

4.00 p.m.

Room 8 (private)

11

Selection

4.15 p.m.

Room 13 (private)

[The decision of a Committee to sit in public may be rescinded without notice.]

Written Questions tabled on Tuesday 7th April for answer today++

1

Rachel Squire (Dunfermline West): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to make available further information on NATO and NATO enlargement.

(38711)

2

Ms Beverley Hughes (Stretford and Urmston): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what functions are ascribed to the English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting under section 6(1) (e) of the Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1997; and if the Board received funding in respect of those functions.

(38712)

3

Mr James Plaskitt (Warwick and Leamington): To ask the President of the Board of Trade, what topics were discussed at the EU Ministerial Council on the Internal Market on 30th March; and what matters were voted upon.

(38769)

4

Mr Terry Rooney (Bradford North): To ask the President of the Board of Trade, what progress is being made in implementing the EC directives on working time and young workers.

(38770)

5

Mr Gareth R. Thomas (Harrow West): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will indicate the arrangements for ministerial responsibilities in his Department for Gibraltar following the recent review of dependent territories.

(38771)

6

Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Canning Town): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the future of the former Royal Yacht 'Britannia'.

(38772)

7

Mr Ernie Ross (Dundee West): To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, when the Government will review the legislation relating to the Environment Agency and Scottish Environment Protection Agency in line with the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution.

(38773)

8

Mr John Hutton (Barrow and Furness): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if the Government will review the legislation relating to the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency as recommended by the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution.

(38774)

9

Charlotte Atkins (Staffordshire Moorlands): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what are the key targets set for the Chief Executive of the Defence Transport and Movements Executive for the financial year 1998-99.

(38775)

10

Charlotte Atkins (Staffordshire Moorlands): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what are the key targets set for the Chief Executive of the Defence Postal and Courier Services Agency for the financial year 1998-99.

(38776)

11

Ms Dari Taylor (Stockton South): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, when he plans to announce funding for Early Years Development Plans.

(38777)

12

Ms Linda Perham (Ilford North): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will make a statement about London taxi fares and fees.

(38778)

13

Mr Stephen Timms (East Ham): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what further progress has been made towards resolving cases of personal pensions mis-selling.

(38751)

14

Mr Alan Johnson (Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, when he intends to issue a revised circular on planning and affordable housing; and if he will make a statement.

(38755)

15

Mr John Heppell (Nottingham East): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make a statement on progress made in the development of legislation on fire safety.

(38835)

16

Mr John Heppell (Nottingham East): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if the European Commission has issued a letter under Article 169 of the Treaty of Rome challenging the United Kingdom's implementation of the general fire safety provisions of the European Framework Directive.

(38836)

17

Mr Fraser Kemp (Houghton and Washington East): To ask Mr Attorney General, what consideration the Crown Prosecution Service has given to the implications of the judgment of the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) in R Üof2Ýv W and another; and what arrangements exist for liaison with the Inland Revenue about criminal cases with a tax aspect.

(38837)

18

Mrs Betty Williams (Conwy): To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what steps he is taking to increase the number of female appointments to public bodies in Wales.

(38838)

19

Mr David Borrow (South Ribble): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what decision he has made on the implementation of the recommendations in the Army's storage rationalisation study.

(38839)

20

Mr David Borrow (South Ribble): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he plans to continue to call out reservists to support military operations.

(38840)

21

Mr Martin Caton (Gower): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what are the Key Targets set for the Chief Executive of the Defence Clothing And Textiles Agency for the Financial Year 1998-99.

(38841)

22

Mr Martin Caton (Gower): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what are the Key Targets set for the Chief Executive of the Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency for the Financial Year 1998-99.

(38842)

23

Fiona Mactaggart (Slough): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has to strengthen immigration legislation to tackle abuse of the United Kingdom's immigration control.

(38843)

24

Fiona Mactaggart (Slough): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held in Brussels on 19th March.

(38844)

25

Mrs Joan Humble (Blackpool North and Fleetwood): To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, when the Eyre review of the future of the Lyric Theatre in London will be made public.

(38845)

26

Ms Linda Perham (Ilford North): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if the arrangements for single vehicle approval due to come into effect on 1st May will be modified; and if he will make a statement.

(38916)

27

Yvette Cooper (Pontefract and Castleford): To ask the President of the Board of Trade, when the former coalminers suffering from lung disease are likely to receive compensation following the recent High Court decision against the British Coal Corporation.

(38924)

28

Mr Dale Campbell-Savours (Workington): To ask the President of the Board of Trade, what advice DTI inspectors have given on the prosecution of Mr Gerald James.

(38920)

29

Mr Dale Campbell-Savours (Workington): To ask the President of the Board of Trade, why proceedings for disqualification as company directors were dropped in the case of two of the directors of Astra.

(38921)

30

Mr Dale Campbell-Savours (Workington): To ask the President of the Board of Trade, what assessement she has made of the comments of Lord Justice Rattee on the proceedings in the case against Mr Gerald James; and if she will make a statement.

(38922)

31

Mr Dale Campbell-Savours (Workington): To ask the President of the Board of Trade, when during the last eight months the contents of the letter of 7th April 1993 from J. M. Moulsdale to the Deputy Inspector of Companies were drawn to her attention.